Malleable press fittings

ABSTRACT

A method of connecting a pipe to a cast fitting, the method can include casting a body including a first body end and a second body end disposed opposite from the first body end, wherein the body defines an axis extending from the first body end to the second body end, wherein the body includes a first neck disposed proximate to the first body end wherein the body further includes an inner body surface defining a bore extending through the body from the first body end to the second body end, and wherein the body further includes an outer body surface spaced from the inner body surface a predetermined wall thickness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/165,067, filed Feb. 2, 2021, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/852,462, filed Dec. 22, 2017, which issued intoU.S. Pat. No. 11,060,652 on Jul. 13, 2021, which are each herebyincorporated in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to pipe fittings. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to cast pipe fittings that can be press fit onto apipe.

BACKGROUND

Pipe fittings are commonly used to connect two pipe lengths together toform a pipe connection, such as when installing a pipe system or pipeinfrastructure. Some pipe fittings can be time consuming or difficult toinstall. For example, some stab-in couplings require a pipe length to bestabbed into a socket. Some other pipe fittings require tightening ofnumerous bolts positioned around the pipe fitting. The bolts typicallymust be tightened in a pattern, such as a star pattern, to ensure thatpressure from the bolts is evenly distributed over the pipe connectionassembly to provide for a reliable and uniform seal. Additionally, manycast pipe fittings can be of poor structural integrity. If the defect inthe casting is found early, these poor fittings can be repoured at thefoundry. If the defect is not found early, the fitting can fail in usewhich can be dangerous and costly.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a cast body for a pipe fitting, the cast body comprising: afirst body end and a second body end disposed opposite from the firstbody end, the body defining an axis extending from the first body end tothe second body end, an inner body surface defining a fitting boreextending through the body from the first body end to the second bodyend; and an outer body surface spaced from the inner body surface at apredetermined wall thickness, wherein at a first location on the axis,the inner body surface is a first distance from the axis, wherein at asecond location on the axis that is spaced from the first location andproximate to the first body end, the inner body surface is a seconddistance from the axis that is greater than the first distance, whereinat the first location, the outer body surface is a third distance fromthe axis, and wherein at the second location, the outer body surface isa fourth distance from the axis that is less than the third distance.

Also disclosed is a pipe connection assembly comprising: a fittingcomprising: a cast body comprising a first body end and a second bodyend disposed opposite from the first body end, wherein the body definesan axis extending from the first body end to the second body end,wherein the body further comprises an inner body surface defining afitting bore extending through the body from the first body end to thesecond body end, wherein the body further comprises an outer bodysurface spaced from the inner body surface a predetermined wallthickness, and wherein a seal cavity is defined in a portion of thefitting bore, wherein at a first location on the axis, the inner bodysurface is a first distance from the axis and at a second location onthe axis that is spaced from the first location, the inner body surfaceis a second distance from the axis that is greater than the firstdistance, and wherein at the first location, the outer body surface is athird distance from the axis and at the second location, the outer bodysurface is a fourth distance from the axis that is less than the thirddistance; at least one of a seal, a spacer, and a grip ring positionedin the seal cavity; and a pipe length having a pipe end insertable intothe fitting bore.

Also disclosed is a method of connecting a pipe to a cast fitting, themethod comprising: casting a body comprising: a first body end and asecond body end disposed opposite from the first body end, wherein thebody defines an axis extending from the first body end to the secondbody end, wherein the body comprises a first neck disposed proximate tothe first body end, wherein the body further comprises an inner bodysurface defining a bore extending through the body from the first bodyend to the second body end, and wherein the body further comprises anouter body surface spaced from the inner body surface a predeterminedwall thickness, wherein at a first location on the axis, the inner bodysurface is a first distance from the axis and at a second location onthe axis that is spaced from the first location, the inner body surfaceis a second distance from the axis that is greater than the firstdistance, and wherein at the first location, the outer body surface is athird distance from the axis and at the second location, the outer bodysurface is a fourth distance from the axis that is less than the thirddistance.

Also disclosed is an unmachined cast body for a pipe fitting, the castbody comprising a first body end and a second body end disposed oppositefrom the first body end, the cast body defining an axis extending fromthe first body end to the second body end, the cast body defining amidpoint between first body end and the second body end, a centerline ofthe cast body defined at the midpoint perpendicular to the axis, a firstdistance from the centerline to the first body end being equal to asecond distance from the centerline to the second body end, an innerbody surface defining a fitting bore extending through the cast bodyfrom the first body end to the second body end, and an outer bodysurface spaced from the inner body surface, the outer body surfacedefining a first frustoconical shape and a second frustoconical shape,the first frustoconical shape intersecting the second frustoconicalshape at the centerline, the outer body surface defining a groovebetween the centerline and the first body end, the first frustoconicalshape extending between the centerline and the groove, the firstfrustoconical shape tapering inwards towards the axis as the firstfrustoconical shape extends from the centerline towards the groove, thecast body comprising a neck extending from the groove to the first bodyend, a portion of the outer body surface defined by the neck defining acylindrical surface, the second frustoconical shape defined between thecenterline and the second body end, the second frustoconical shapetapering inwards towards the axis as the second frustoconical shapeextends towards the second body end, and wherein the inner body surfacetapers inward toward the axis from the first body end.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features andcomponents throughout the figures may be designated by matchingreference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cast fitting in which the fitting is acoupling in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, thefitting comprising a cast body.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 1 takenalong line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 1 showingportions of the cast fitting that can be machined away to form amachined fitting.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 1 aftermachining portions of the cast fitting to form a machined fitting.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the machined fitting of FIG. 4 inwhich seal elements have been positioned in a seal cavity defined in thebody of the fitting to form a fitting assembly.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of the fitting assembly of FIG.5, also showing a press having a jaw in a first position relative to thefitting assembly.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section view of the fitting assembly of FIG.5, also showing a press having a jaw in a second position relative tothe fitting assembly.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a cast fitting in which the fitting isan elbow in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 8 takenalong line 9-9 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a street elbow.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a 45 degree elbow.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 8 takenalong line 10-10 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a cast fitting in which the fitting isa tee in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 11 takenalong line 12-12 shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 11 takenalong line 13-13 shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cast fitting of FIG. 11 takenalong line 14-14 shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a cross in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a cap in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a flanged adapter in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a second adapter in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a third adapter in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a reducer in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a union in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a fourth adapter in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cast fitting in which the fittingis a fifth adapter in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed are malleable press fittings and associated methods, systems,devices, and various apparatus. The malleable press fitting can be acast fitting comprising a body defining at least one body boreconfigured to receive a portion of a pipe therein. A body wall of thebody can be a tapered wall such that a wall thickness of the body wallvaries. The malleable press fitting can be a coupling, an elbow, aunion, a nipple, a reducer, a tee, a cross, a cap, an adapter and thelike. In one aspect, the malleable press fitting can be a metallicfitting comprising a ferrous material and formed from, for example andwithout limitation, cast iron, ductile iron, and the like. In otheraspects, the malleable press fitting can be a polymeric fitting formedfrom, for example and without limitation, nylon, ABS, PVC, and the like.It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosedmalleable press fittings are described in but a few exemplaryembodiments among many. No particular terminology or description shouldbe considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claimsissuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a malleable press cast fitting 100 inwhich the fitting is a coupling 110, according to one aspect. Thefitting 100 can comprise a cast body 112 having a first body end 112 aand a second body end 112 b. The first body end 112 a can be disposedopposite from the second body end 112 b, and the body 112 can define anaxis 101 extending from the first body end 112 a to the second body end112 b. Unless otherwise stated, all descriptions of radial and axialdirections as used herein are relative to the axis 101 of the fitting100. The body 112 can comprise a first neck 120 a disposed proximate tothe first body end 112 a, a second neck 120 b disposed proximate to thesecond body end 112 b, and a center portion 114 disposed between thefirst neck 120 a and the second neck 120 b. The body 112 can define afirst shoulder 124 a between the center portion 114 and the first neck120 a and a second shoulder 124 b between the center portion and thesecond neck 120 b. Each of the shoulders 124 a,b can extend radiallyinward from the center portion 114 to the adjacent neck 120 a,b withrespect to the axis 101.

The cast body 112 can define an inner body surface 140 and an outer bodysurface 142 spaced from the inner body surface 140 at a predeterminedbody thickness. In one aspect, the predetermined body thickness can bethe thickness of a wall 144 of the fitting. The inner body surface 140can define a fitting bore 118 extending through the body 112 from thefirst body end 112 a to the second body end 112 b. The fitting bore 118can define a first bore opening 116 a (shown in FIG. 2) at the firstbody end 112 a and a second bore opening 116 b at the second body end112 b. In the present aspect, the fitting body 112 can define acenterline 124 disposed substantially at a midpoint between the firstbody end 112 a and the second body end 112 b. The centerline 124 candivide the body 112 into a first portion 126 a defined between thecenterline 124 and the first body end 112 a and a second portion 126 bdefined between the centerline 124 and the second body end 112 b. In oneaspect, the body 112 can be symmetric with respect to the centerline 124such that the first portion 126 a is substantially a mirror image of thesecond portion 126 b. Alternatively, in other aspects, the body 112 canbe asymmetric with respect to the centerline 124 such that the firstportion 126 a is different than the second portion 126 b.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the malleable press cast fitting 100of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1. In one aspect, the innerbody surface 140 can taper or slope from the centerline 124 towards thefirst body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b. In another aspect,at the centerline 124, the inner body surface 140 can be a firstdistance D1 from the axis 101, and at the first body end 112 a and/orthe second body end 112 b, the inner body surface can be a seconddistance D2 from the axis that is greater than the first distance. Thatis, prior to machining of the casting 146 (i.e., the cast body 112), thediameter of the first bore opening 116 a and the second bore opening 116b can be greater than the diameter of the bore 118 at a position betweenthe first bore opening and the second bore opening, such as, forexample, at the centerline 124. In another aspect, at least a portion ofthe inner body surface can be at an acute angle relative to the axis101. For example, at least a portion of the inner body surface extendingbetween the first body end 112 a and the centerline 124 can be at anangle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees,about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees,about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees,about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees,about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to the axis101. In another example, at least a portion of the inner body surface140 extending between the second body end 112 b and the centerline 124can be at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to theaxis 101.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the taper or slope of the inner body surface140 from the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b can be substantially constant such that atleast a portion of the inner body surface is substantially linear incross-section from the centerline 124 to the first body end 112 a andfrom the centerline to the second body end 112 b. Thus, in the presentaspect, the inner body surface 140 can define a first frustoconicalshape that tapers from the first body end 112 a towards the centerlineand a second frustoconical shape that tapers from the second body end112 b towards the centerline. Alternatively, in other aspects, the slopeof the inner body surface 140 from the centerline 124 towards each ofthe first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b need not besubstantially constant such that a portion of the inner body surfacefrom the first body end to the centerline can have a different slopethan at least one other portion of the inner body surface 140 from thefirst body end 112 a to the centerline. Optionally, at least a portionof the taper of the inner body surface 140 can be arcuate when viewed incross-section. For example, at least a portion of the taper of the innerbody surface 140 from the centerline 124 towards either of the firstbody end 112 a and the second body end 112 b can be arcuate when viewedin cross-section.

In one aspect, the outer body surface 142 can taper from the centerline124 towards the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b. Inanother aspect, at the centerline 124, the outer body surface can be athird distance D3 from the axis 101, and at the first body end 112 aand/or the second body end 112 b, the inner body surface can be a fourthdistance D4 from the axis that is less than the third distance. That is,prior to machining of the casting 146 (i.e., the cast body 112), theouter diameter of the body 112 can be smaller at the first bore opening116 a and the second bore opening 116 b than at a position between thefirst bore opening and the second bore opening, such as, for example, atthe centerline 124. In another aspect, at least a portion of the outerbody surface can be at an acute angle relative to the axis 101. Forexample, at least a portion of the outer body surface extending betweenthe first body end 112 a and the centerline 124 can be at an angle ofless than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to the axis 101. Inanother example, at least a portion of the outer body surface 140extending between the second body end 112 b and the centerline 124 canbe at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to theaxis 101.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the taper or slope of the outer body surface142 from the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b can be substantially constant such that theouter body surface is substantially linear in cross-section from thecenterline 124 to the first body end 112 a and from the centerline tothe second body end 112 b. Thus, in the present aspect, the outer bodysurface 142 can define a first frustoconical shape that tapers from thecenterline towards the first body end 112 a and a second frustoconicalshape that tapers from the centerline towards the second body end 112 b.Alternatively, in other aspects, the slope from the centerline 124towards each of the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 bneed not be substantially constant such that a portion of the outer bodysurface 142 from the first body end to the centerline can have adifferent slope than at least one other portion of the outer bodysurface from the first body end 112 a to the centerline. Optionally, atleast a portion of the taper of the outer body surface 142 from thecenterline towards each of the first body end 112 a and the second bodyend 112 b can be arcuate when viewed in cross-section.

In one aspect (not shown), the inner body surface 140 can taper or slopefrom the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b towards thecenterline. In another aspect, at the centerline 124, the inner bodysurface 140 can be a first distance from the axis 101, and at the firstbody end 112 a and/or the second body end 112 b, the inner body surfacecan be a second distance from the axis that is less than the firstdistance. That is, the diameter of the first bore opening 116 a and thesecond bore opening 116 b can be less than the diameter of the bore 118at the centerline 124. Thus, in the present aspect, the inner bodysurface 140 can define a first frustoconical shape that tapers from thecenterline towards the first body end 112 a and a second frustoconicalshape that tapers from the centerline towards the second body end 112 b.

In another aspect (not shown), the outer body surface 142 can taper fromthe first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b towards thecenterline 124. That is, at the centerline 124, the outer body surfacecan be a third distance from the axis 101, and at the first body end 112a and/or the second body end 112 b, the inner body surface can be afourth distance from the axis that is greater than the third distance.Thus, the outer diameter of the body 112 can be less at the centerline124 than the outer diameter of the body at the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b. In the present aspect, the outer body surface140 can define a first frustoconical shape that tapers from the firstbody end 112 a towards the centerline, and a second frustoconical shapethat tapers from the second body end 112 b towards the centerline.

The inner body surface 140 and/or the outer body surface 142 need notslope for the entire distance from the centerline 124 towards the bodyends 112 a,b. In one aspect, at a first location anywhere on the castbody 112, the inner body surface can be the first distance D1 from theaxis 101 and at a second location on the body that is spaced from thefirst location, the inner body surface 140 can be the second distance D2from the axis that is greater than the first distance, and at the firstlocation, the outer body surface can be the third distance D3 from theaxis 101 and at the second location, the outer body surface 142 can thefourth distance D4 from the axis that is less than the third distance.That is, in one aspect, the inner body surface can taper towards theouter body surface, and the outer body surface 142 can taper towards theinner body surface 140 at any predetermined first and second positionson the fitting. In another aspect, the amount of slope of the inner bodysurface 140 and the amount of slope of the outer body surface 142 can bedifferent at different portions of the fitting 100. For example, theslope of the inner body surface and the outer body surface relative tothe axis 101 can be different at the first portion 126 a of the fittingthan the slope of the inner body surface 140 and the outer body surface142 relative to the axis at the second portion 126 b.

In one aspect, the body 112 of the fitting 100 can be a cast body. Inanother aspect, the distance between the inner body surface 140 and theouter body surface 142 (i.e., the thickness of the fitting wall 144) canbe configured in a manner controlling the solidification of the moltenmetal during the casting process of the body 112. In a further aspect,the taper of the inner body surface 140 and the outer body surface 142can be configured in a manner controlling the solidification of themolten metal and yielding a sound cast fitting that meets apredetermined set of material properties. In a further aspect, duringthe casting process, the thicker portions of the wall 144 can beconfigured to form a reservoir of molten metal such that thinnerportions of the wall 144 can draw molten metal from the reservoir duringthe solidification process. This reservoir can provide the additionalliquid metal required to feed thinner portions of the wall 144, thuscontrolling the solidification of the fitting 100 during the castingprocess and yielding a sound cast fitting.

For example, if the inner body surface 140 and/or the outer body surface142 taper from the centerline 124 towards the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b, the wall 144 of the fitting can be relativelythinner adjacent the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 bthan a relatively thicker wall thickness adjacent the centerline. In oneaspect, liquid metal can be poured into the mold through a feeder tubein fluid communication with the thicker wall portion of the fitting 100adjacent the centerline 124. As liquid metal is poured into the mold,the thinner wall portion can cool quicker than the relatively thickerwall portion adjacent the centerline. Because solid metal takes up lessspace in the mold than liquid metal, as this liquid metal solidifies inthinner portions of the wall 144 adjacent the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b, more liquid metal can be pulled from thickerportions of the wall adjacent the centerline, and thus, solidificationof the metal used to form the fitting can be controlled.

In another example, if the inner body surface 140 and/or the outer bodysurface 142 taper from the first body end 112 a and the second body end112 b towards the centerline 124, the wall 144 of the fitting can berelatively thicker adjacent the first body end 112 a and the second bodyend 112 b than a relatively thinner wall thickness adjacent thecenterline. In one aspect, liquid metal can be poured into the moldthrough at least one feeder tube in fluid communication with the thickerwall portion of the fitting 100 adjacent the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b. As liquid metal is poured into the mold, thethinner wall portion adjacent the centerline 124 can cool more quicklythan the relatively thicker wall portion adjacent the first body end andthe second body end. Because solid metal takes up less space in the moldthan liquid metal, as this liquid metal solidifies in thinner portionsof the wall 144 adjacent the centerline 124, more liquid metal can bepulled from thicker portions of the wall adjacent the first body end 112a and the second body end 112 b, and thus, solidification of the metalused to form the fitting can be controlled.

Still with reference to FIG. 2, at least one groove 150 can be definedin the outer body surface 142 of the fitting 100 by a groove surface 152positioned at least partially in the wall 144 of the fitting. In oneaspect, the at least one groove can comprise a plurality of grooves 150,such that a first groove 150 a is positioned between the centerline 124and the first body end 112 a, and a second groove 150 b is positionedbetween the centerline and the second body end 112 b. In another aspect,at least a portion of the grove surface of the first groove can form aportion of the first shoulder 124 a, and at least a portion of thegroove surface 152 of the second groove can form a portion of the secondshoulder 124 b.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cast body 112 of FIG. 2 showingportions of the cast body 112 that can be machined off to form themachined fitting 100, according to one aspect. In this aspect, portionsof the tapered inner body surface 140 can be machined away so that, asshown in FIG. 3, a machined wall 200 of the bore 118 can besubstantially parallel to the axis 101 of the fitting. In this aspect, astep 206 can be formed that is positioned between the machined wall andthe unmachined portion of the inner body surface 140. In another aspect,portions of the outer body surface 142 can be machined away so that amachined jaw engagement surface 202 can be formed on the first neck 120a and the second neck 120 b. In still another aspect, portions of theinner body surface 142 can be machined away so that a seal cavity 204can be defined in portions of the first neck 120 a and the second neck120 b. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cast body 112 of FIG. 2after machining to form the machined fitting 100.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the machined fitting 100 of FIG. 4with seal elements installed to form a fitting assembly. In one aspect,the seal elements can comprise at least one of a seal 300, such as anO-ring and the like, a spacer 302 and a grip ring 304. In use, describedmore fully below, the seal 300 can form a seal between the fitting 100and a pipe inserted into the bore 118 of the fitting. The grip ring 304can have a plurality of teeth configured to engage a portion of the pipeto prevent or restrict inadvertent removal of the pipe from the bore.The spacer 302 can be positioned between the seal 300 and the grip ring304 to prevent or restrict inadvertent contact between the seal 300 andthe grip ring 304. For example, the seal 300 can be inserted into theseal cavity 204 of the body closest to the centerline 124 of the body112 and the grip ring 304 can be inserted into the seal cavity closestto the first end 112 a or the second end 112 b of the body 112. Thespacer 302 can be positioned in the seal cavity 204 between the seal andthe grip ring.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate placement and securement of the first portion126 a of the fitting assembly to a pipe 600, according to one aspect. Inuse, an end 602 of the pipe can be inserted into the bore 118 of thefitting 100. In one aspect, the end of the pipe 600 can be insertedthrough the first bore opening 116 a until the end 602 contacts the step206, which can prevent the pipe 600 from being inserted any further. Apress 604 can be positioned around the first portion 126 a so that a jaw606 of the press 604 is positioned around at least a portion of the jawengagement surface 202 of the first neck 120 a. In one aspect, a sideedge 608 of the jaw 606 can be substantially aligned with a portion ofthe groove surface 152 of the first groove 150 a (i.e., the portion ofthe grove surface that forms the first shoulder 124 a) so that the jaw606 is in a desired position relative to the fitting 100. With the jaw606 in the desired position, the jaw 606 can be moved about and betweena first position, in which a lower edge 610 of the jaw is spaced fromthe jaw engagement surface 202 of the fitting (as illustrated in FIG.6), and a second position, in which the jaw 606 contacts the jawengagement surface 202 and urges the jaw engagement surface 202 towardsthe bore 118 (as illustrated in FIG. 7).

In the second position, according to one aspect, the neck 120 a of thefitting 100 can be compressed so that the thickness of the wall 144 ofthe neck 120 a is less in the second position than the thickness of thewall of the neck 120 a before compression. This can cause a width of theneck to increase in the second position. For example, when compressed bythe jaw 606, portions of the wall 144 of the neck 120 a can be urgedoutward towards the ends of the fitting 100. Similarly, when compressedby the jaw, portions of the wall of the neck 120 a can be urged inwardtowards the centerline 124 and/or into the groove 150 a. In the secondposition, compression of the neck 120 a can urge the seal 300 into afluid-tight seal relative to the pipe 600. Further, in the secondposition, at least a portion of the body 112 can be urged into contactwith the pipe 600.

To secure a pipe 600 to the second portion 126 b of the fitting 100, theend 602 of the pipe 600 can be inserted through the second bore opening116 b until the end contacts the step 206, which can prevent the pipe600 from being inserted any further. The press 604 can be positionedaround the second portion 126 b so that the jaw 606 of the press 604 ispositioned around at least a portion of the jaw engagement surface 202of the second neck 120 b. In one aspect, the side edge 608 of the jaw606 can be substantially aligned with a portion of the groove surface152 of the second groove 150 b (i.e., the portion of the grove surfacethat forms the second shoulder 124 b) so that the jaw 606 is in adesired position relative to the fitting. With the jaw 606 in thedesired position, the jaw 606 can be moved about and between the firstposition, in which a lower edge 610 of the jaw 606 is spaced from thejaw engagement surface 202 of the fitting 100, and the second position,in which the jaw 606 contacts the jaw engagement surface 202 and urgesthe jaw engagement surface 202 towards the bore 118.

While the above description of the fitting 100 has been made withreference to a coupling 110, the fitting 100 can comprise an elbow 210as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. In one aspect, the elbow 210 can comprisethe cast body 112 having the first body end 112 a and the second bodyend 112 b disposed opposite from the second body end 112 b. The body 112can define the axis 101 extending from the first body end 112 a to thesecond body end 112 b. In one aspect, at least a portion of the axis 101of the elbow 210 can be an arcuate axis. For example, the portion of theaxis 101 adjacent the first body end 112 a can be at an axis angle ofabout 90 degrees relative to portion of the axis adjacent the secondbody end 112 b. Unless otherwise stated, all descriptions of radial andaxial directions as used herein are relative to the axis 101 of thefitting. The body 112 can comprise the first neck 120 a disposedproximate to the first body end 112 a, the second neck 120 b disposedproximate to the second body end 112 b, and the center portion 114disposed between the first neck 120 a and the second neck 120 b. Thebody 112 can define the first shoulder 124 a between the center portion114 and the first neck 120 a and the second shoulder 124 b between thecenter portion and the second neck 120 b. Each of the shoulders 124 a,bcan extend radially inward from the body 112 to the adjacent neck 120a,b with respect to the axis 101.

The cast body 112 of the elbow 210 can define the inner body surface 140and the outer body surface 142 spaced from the inner body surface apredetermined body thickness. In one aspect, the predetermined bodythickness can be the thickness of the wall 144 of the elbow. The innerbody surface 140 can define the fitting bore 118 extending through thebody 112 from the first body end 112 a to the second body end 112 b. Thefitting bore 118 can define the first bore opening 116 a at the firstbody end 112 a and the second bore opening 116 b at the second body end112 b.

In the present aspect, the cast body 112 can define the centerline 124disposed substantially at a midpoint between the first body end 112 aand the second body end 112 b. The centerline 124 can divide the body112 into the first portion 126 a defined between the centerline 124 andthe first body end 112 a and the second portion 126 b defined betweenthe centerline 124 and the second body end 112 b.

FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of the cast body 112 of the elbow 210of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 shown in FIG. 8. In one aspect, the innerbody surface 140 can taper from the centerline 124 towards the firstbody end 112 a and the second body end 112 b. In another aspect, at thecenterline 124, the inner body surface 140 can be a first distance D1from the axis 101, and at the first body end 112 a and/or the secondbody end 112 b, the inner body surface can be a second distance D2 fromthe axis that is greater than the first distance. That is, prior tomachining of the fitting 100, the diameter of the first bore opening 116a and the second bore opening 116 b can be greater than the diameter ofthe bore 118 at a position between the first bore opening and the secondbore opening, such as, for example, at the centerline 124. In anotheraspect, at least a portion of the inner body surface can be at an acuteangle relative to the axis 101. For example, at least a portion of theinner body surface extending between the first body end 112 a and thecenterline 124 can be at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15degrees relative to the axis 101. In another example, at least a portionof the inner body surface 140 extending between the second body end 112b and the centerline 124 can be at an angle of less than about 1 degree,about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15degrees relative to the axis 101. In one aspect, at least a portion ofthe taper of the inner body surface 140 from the centerline towards eachof the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b can be arcuatewhen viewed in cross-section.

In one aspect, the outer body surface 142 can taper or slope from thecenterline 124 towards the first body end 112 a and the second body end112 b. In another aspect, at the centerline 124, the outer body surfacecan be a third distance D3 from the axis 101, and at the first body end112 a and/or the second body end 112 b, the inner body surface can be afourth distance D4 from the axis that is less than the third distance.That is, prior to machining, the outer diameter of the body 112 can besmaller at the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b thanat a position between the first body end and the second body end, suchas, for example, at the centerline. In another aspect, at least aportion of the outer body surface can be at an acute angle relative tothe axis 101. For example, at least a portion of the outer body surfaceextending between the first body end 112 a and the centerline 124 can beat an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to theaxis 101. In another example, at least a portion of the outer bodysurface 140 extending between the second body end 112 b and thecenterline 124 can be at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15degrees relative to the axis 101. In one aspect, at least a portion ofthe taper of the outer body surface 142 from the centerline towards eachof the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b can be arcuatewhen viewed in cross-section.

The first distance D1 from the inner body surface 140 to the axis 101and/or the third distance D3 from the outer body surface 142 to the axis101 can vary at different points around the circumference of the bore118 of the elbow 210. In one aspect, the first distance D1 from the axisto the inner body surface located on an inside bend 212 of the elbow canbe greater than or less than the first distance from the axis 101 to theinner body surface 140 located on an outside bend 214 of the elbow 210.Optionally, however, the first distance from the axis to the inner bodysurface located on the inside bend of the elbow can be substantiallyequal to the first distance from the axis 101 to the inner body surface140 located on an outside bend of the elbow 210. In another aspect, thethird distance D3 from the axis to the outer body surface 142 located onan inside bend 212 of the elbow can be greater than or less than thethird distance from the axis 101 to the outer body surface located on anoutside bend 214 of the elbow 210. Optionally, however, the thirddistance from the axis to the outer body surface located on the insidebend of the elbow can be substantially equal to the third distance fromthe axis 101 to the outer body surface 142 located on an outside bend214 of the elbow 210.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the elbow 210 of FIG. 8 taken alongline 10-10 shown in FIG. 8. In one aspect, in cross-section, the shapeformed by the inner body surface 140 can be offset from the shape formedby the outer body surface 142. For example, if the inner body surface140 and the outer body surface 142 forms circles when viewed incross-section, the circles can be eccentric circles having differentgeometric centers. That is, the center of the circle formed by the innerbody surface 140 can be offset from the center of the circle formed bythe outer body surface 142 by a fifth distance D5.

In use, as described above with regards to the general fitting 100,portions of the cast body 112 of the elbow 210 can be machined off toform the fitting, according to one aspect. The seal 300, spacer 302, andgrip ring 304 can be positioned in the seal cavities of the body 112 ofthe elbow. The jaw 606 can be positioned in the desired positionrelative to the jaw engagement surface 202 of the elbow 210, and movedfrom the first position to the second position to urge the jawengagement surface 202 towards the bore 118 and secure the elbow 210 tothe pipe 600.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a street elbow 220 similar to theelbow 210 of FIG. 8. According to one aspect, the street elbow can besubstantially the same as the elbow 210 except that the second shoulder124 b and the second groove 150 b are not formed on the second portion126 b of the street elbow 220. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a 45degree elbow 230 similar to the elbow 210 of FIG. 8 taken along line9-9. According to one aspect, the 45 degree elbow can be substantiallythe same as the elbow 210 except that a portion of the axis 101 adjacentthe first body end 112 a can be at an axis angle of about 45 degreesrelative to a portion of the axis adjacent the second body end 112 b. Ofcourse, other axis angles between the portion of the axis 101 adjacentthe first body end relative to the portion of the axis adjacent thesecond body end 112 b are contemplated. For example, the axis angle canbe any angle between 0 and 90 degrees, such as for example and withoutlimitation, 15, 30, 60 and 75 degrees.

While the above description of the fitting 100 has been made withreference to a coupling 110 and an elbow 210, the fitting 100 cancomprise a tee 310 as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14. In one aspect, the tee310 can comprise the cast body 112 having the first body end 112 a, thesecond body end 112 b, and a third body end 112 c. The first body end112 a can be disposed opposite from the second body end 112 b, and thebody 112 can define a first axis 101 a extending from the first body end112 a to the second body end 112 b. The third body end 112 c can bepositioned between the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112b, and the body 112 can define a second axis 101 b extendingtransversely from the first axis 101 a to the third body end 112 c.Unless otherwise stated, all descriptions of radial and axial directionsas used herein are relative to the axis of the fitting.

The cast body 112 of the tee 310 can comprise the first neck 120 adisposed proximate to the first body end 112 a, the second neck 120 bdisposed proximate to the second body end 112 b, and a third neck 120 cdisposed proximate to the third body end 112 c. The center portion 114can be disposed between the first neck 120 a, the second neck 120 b andthe third neck 120 c. The body 112 can define the first shoulder 124 abetween the center portion 114 and the first neck 120 a, the secondshoulder 124 b between the center portion 114 and the second neck 120 band a third shoulder 124 c between the center portion 114 and the thirdneck 120 c. Each of the shoulders 124 a,b,c can extend radially inwardfrom the body 112 to the adjacent neck 120 a,b,c relative to therespective first axis 101 a or second axis 101 b.

The cast body 112 of the tee 310 can define the inner body surface 140and the outer body surface 142 spaced from the inner body surface 140 ata predetermined body thickness. In one aspect, the predetermined bodythickness can be the thickness of the wall 144 of the tee 310. The innerbody surface 140 can define the fitting bore 118 extending through thebody 112 from the first body end 112 a to the second body end 112 b andto the third body end 112 c. The fitting bore can define the first boreopening 116 a at the first body end 112 a, the second bore opening 116 bat the second body end 112 b, and a third bore opening 116 c at thethird body end 112 c.

In the present aspect, the fitting body 112 can define the centerline124 disposed substantially at a midpoint between the first body end 112a and the second body end 112 b. The centerline 124 can divide the body112 into the first portion 126 a defined between the centerline 124 andthe first body end 112 a and the second portion 126 b defined betweenthe centerline 124 and the second body end 112 b.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cast body 112 of the tee 310 ofFIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 shown in FIG. 11. In one aspect, theinner body surface 140 can taper or slope from the centerline 124towards the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b. Inanother aspect, at the centerline 124, the inner body surface 140 can bea first distance D1 from the first axis 101 a, and at the first body end112 a and/or the second body end 112 b, the inner body surface can be asecond distance D2 from the first axis that is greater than the firstdistance. That is, prior to machining, the diameter of the first boreopening 116 a and the second bore opening 116 b can be greater than thediameter of the bore 118 at a position between the first bore openingand the second bore opening, such as, for example, at the centerline124.

In another aspect, at least a portion of the inner body surface 140 canbe at an acute angle relative to the first axis 101 a. For example, atleast a portion of the inner body surface 140 extending between thefirst body end 112 a and the centerline 124 can be at an angle of lessthan about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees,about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees,about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees,about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees,or more than about 15 degrees relative to the first axis 101 a. Inanother example, at least a portion of the inner body surface 140extending between the second body end 112 b and the centerline 124 canbe at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to thefirst axis 101 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the taper or slope of the inner body surface140 from the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b can be substantially constant such that atleast a portion of the inner body surface 140 is substantially linear incross-section from the centerline 124 to the first body end 112 a andfrom the centerline to the second body end 112 b. Thus, in the presentaspect, the inner body surface 140 can define a first frustoconicalshape that tapers from the first body end 112 a towards the centerlineand a second frustoconical shape that tapers from the second body end112 b towards the centerline. Alternatively, in other aspects, the slopefrom the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a and thesecond body end 112 b need not be substantially constant such that aportion of the inner body surface 140 from the first body end to thecenterline can have a different slope than at least one other portion ofthe inner body surface from the first body end 112 a to the centerline.Optionally, at least a portion of the taper from the centerline 124towards each of the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 bcan be arcuate when viewed in cross-section.

In one aspect, the outer body surface 142 can taper or slope from thecenterline 124 towards the first body end 112 a and the second body end112 b. In another aspect, at the centerline 124, the outer body surface142 can be a third distance D3 from the first axis 101 a, and at thefirst body end 112 a and/or the second body end 112 b, the outer bodysurface 142 can be a fourth distance D4 from the first axis that is lessthan the third distance. That is, prior to machining, the outer diameterof the body 112 can be smaller at the first body end 112 a and thesecond body end 112 b than at a position between the first body end andthe second body end, such as, for example, at the centerline 124.

In another aspect, at least a portion of the outer body surface 142 canbe at an acute angle relative to the first axis 101 a. For example, atleast a portion of the outer body surface extending between the firstbody end 112 a and the centerline 124 can be at an angle of less thanabout 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or morethan about 15 degrees relative to the first axis 101 a. In anotherexample, at least a portion of the outer body surface 140 extendingbetween the second body end 112 b and the centerline 124 can be at anangle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees,about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees,about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees,about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees,about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to the firstaxis 101 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the taper or slope of the outer body surface142 from the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a andthe second body end 112 b can be substantially constant such that atleast a portion of the outer body surface is substantially linear incross-section from the centerline 124 to the first body end 112 a andfrom the centerline to the second body end 112 b. Thus, in the presentaspect, the outer body surface 142 can define a first frustoconicalshape that tapers from the centerline towards the first body end 112 aand a second frustoconical shape that tapers from the centerline towardsthe second body end 112 b. Alternatively, in other aspects, the taperfrom the centerline 124 towards each of the first body end 112 a and thesecond body end 112 b need not be substantially constant such that aportion of the outer body surface 142 from the first body end to thecenterline can have a different slope than at least one other portion ofthe outer body surface from the first body end 112 a to the centerline.Optionally, at least a portion of the taper from the centerline towardseach of the first body end 112 a and the second body end 112 b can bearcuate when viewed in cross-section.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tee 310 of FIG. 11 taken alongline 13-13 shown in FIG. 11. In one aspect, the inner body surface 140can taper from a plane containing the first axis 101 a towards the thirdbody end 112 c. In another aspect, at the intersection of the first axis101 a and the centerline 124, the inner body surface 140 can be a fifthdistance D5 from the second axis 101 b, and at the third body end 112 c,the inner body surface can be a sixth distance D6 from the second axisthat is greater than the fifth distance. That is, prior to machining,the diameter of the third bore opening 116 c can be greater than thediameter of the bore 118 at the intersection of the first axis 101 a andthe centerline 124. In another aspect, at least a portion of the innerbody surface can be at an acute angle relative to the second axis 101 b.For example, at least a portion of the inner body surface 140 extendingbetween the third body end 112 c and the plane containing the first axis101 a can be at an angle of less than about 1 degree, about 1 degree,about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees,about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees,about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees,about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degreesrelative to the second axis 101 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the taper or slope of the inner body surface140 towards the third body end 112 c can be substantially constant suchthat at least a portion of the inner body surface 140 is substantiallylinear in cross-section. Thus, in the present aspect, the inner bodysurface 140 can define a first frustoconical shape that tapers from thethird body end 112 c towards the first axis 101 a. Alternatively, inother aspects, the taper towards the third body end 112 c need not besubstantially constant such that a portion of the inner body surface 140can have a different slope than at least one other portion of the innerbody surface 140 adjacent the third body end 112 c. Optionally, at leasta portion of the taper of the inner body surface 140 towards the thirdbody end 112 c can be arcuate when viewed in cross-section.

In one aspect, the outer body surface 142 of the tee 310 can taper orslope from a plane containing the first axis 101 a towards the thirdbody end 112 c. In another aspect, at the intersection of the first axis101 a and the centerline 124, the outer body surface 142 can be aseventh distance D7 from the second axis 101 b, and at the third bodyend 112 c, the outer body surface 142 can be an eight distance D8 fromthe second axis that is greater than the seventh distance. Thus, priorto machining, the outer diameter of the body 112 can be greater at theintersection of the first axis 101 a and the centerline 124 than theouter diameter of the body at the third body end 112 c. In anotheraspect, at least a portion of the outer body surface 142 can be at anacute angle relative to the second axis 101 b. For example, at least aportion of the outer body surface extending between the third body end112 c and a plane containing the first axis 101 a can be at an angle ofless than about 1 degree, about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15degrees, or more than about 15 degrees relative to the second axis 101 b

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the taper or slope of the outer body surface142 towards the third body end 112 c can be substantially constant suchthat at least a portion of the outer body surface 142 is substantiallylinear in cross-section. Thus, in the present aspect, the outer bodysurface 142 can define a frustoconical shape that tapers towards thethird body end 112 c. Alternatively, in other aspects, the taper towardsthe third body end 112 c need not be substantially constant such that aportion of the outer body surface 142 can have a different slope than atleast one other portion of the outer body surface 142 adjacent the thirdbody end 112 c. Optionally, at least a portion of the taper of the outerbody surface 142 towards the third body end 112 c can be arcuate whenviewed in cross-section.

The fifth distance D5 from the inner body surface 140 to the second axis101 b and/or the seventh distance D7 from the outer body surface 142 tothe second axis 101 b can vary at different points around thecircumference of the bore 118 of the tee 310. In one aspect, the fifthdistance D5 from the second axis 101 b to the inner body surface 142located on an inside bend 212 of the tee can be greater than or lessthan the fifth distance D5 from the second axis 101 b to the inner bodysurface 140 located at other portions of the tee. Optionally, however,the fifth distance D5 from the second axis 101 b to the inner bodysurface 140 located on the inside bend of the tee 310 can besubstantially equal to the fifth distance D5 located at other portionsof the tee 310. In another aspect, the seventh distance D7 from thesecond axis to the outer body surface located on an inside bend 212 ofthe tee 310 can be greater than or less than the seventh distance D7from the second axis 101 b to the outer body surface 142 located atother portions of the tee. Optionally, however, the seventh distance D7from the second axis 101 b to the outer body surface 142 located on theinside bend of the elbow can be substantially equal to the seventhdistance D7 located at other portions of the tee 310.

As can be seen in FIG. 13, in cross-section, the shape formed by theinner body surface 140 can be offset from the shape formed by the outerbody surface 142. For example, if the inner body surface 140 and theouter body surface 142 forms partial circles when viewed incross-section, the circles can be eccentric circles having differentgeometric centers. That is, the center of the partial circle formed bythe inner body surface can be offset from the center of the partialcircle formed by the outer body surface by a ninth distance D9.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cast body 112 of FIG. 11 afterportions of the cast body 112 have been machined off to form themachined fitting, according to one aspect and as described above. Inuse, the seal 300, spacer 302 and grip ring 304 can be positioned in theseal cavities of the body 112 of the tee 310. The jaw 606 can bepositioned in the desired position relative to the jaw engagementsurface 202 of the tee 310 and moved from the first position to thesecond position to urge the jaw engagement surface 202 towards the bore118 and secure the tee 310 to a pipe 600.

FIGS. 15-23 illustrate the casting 146 cross-sectional profile ofvarious other fittings 100. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional profile of thecasting 146 of a cross 410, according to one aspect. In this aspect, thecross 410 can be similar to the tee 310 described above with theaddition of a fourth body end 112 d disposed opposite from the thirdbody end 112 c, a fourth neck 120 d disposed proximate to the fourthbody end 112 d and the center portion 114 disposed between the firstneck 120 a, the second neck 120 b, the third neck 120 c and the fourthneck. The body 112 of the cross 410 can define the fourth shoulder 124 dbetween the center portion and the fourth neck 120 d, and the bore 118can define a fourth bore opening 116 d at the fourth body end 112 d. Afourth groove 150 d can be positioned between the centerline 124 and thefourth body end 112 d.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a cap 510,according to one aspect. In this aspect, the cap 510 can be similar to aportion of the coupling 110 described above. The cap 510, however, canhave a covered second bore opening 116 b to prevent fluid from flowingthrough the bore 118.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a flangedadapter 612, according to one aspect. In this aspect, the flangedadapter 612 can be similar to a portion of the coupling 110 describedabove. The flanged adapter 612, however, can have a flange 614 defininga plurality of mounting holes 616. The second body end 112 b can beconfigured to abut a surface (and not necessarily configured to coupleto a pipe).

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a secondadapter 710, according to one aspect. In this aspect, the fitting 100does not have the second shoulder 124 b and the second groove 150 bformed on the second portion 126 b of the second adapter. Note also thatthe first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3 andthe fourth distance D4 can be different at each portion of the secondadapter 710. That is, the amount of taper or slope of the inner bodysurface 140, and the amount of taper or slope of the outer body surface142 can be different at different portions of the second adapter 710.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a thirdadapter 810, according to another aspect. In this aspect, the fitting100 does not have the second shoulder 124 b and the second groove 150 bformed on the second portion 126 b of the third adapter. Note also thatthe first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3 andthe fourth distance D4 can be different at each portion of the thirdadapter 810. That is, the amount of taper or slope of the inner bodysurface 140, and the amount of taper or slope of the outer body surface142 can be different at different portions of the third adapter 810.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a reducer910, according to another aspect. In this aspect, the fitting 100 doesnot have the second shoulder 124 b and the second groove 150 b formed onthe second portion 126 b of the reducer. Note also that the firstdistance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3 and thefourth distance D4 can be different at each portion of the reducer 910.That is, the amount of taper or slope of the inner body surface 140, andthe amount of taper or slope of the outer body surface 142 can bedifferent at different portions of the reducer 910.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of two sectionsof a union 1010, according to one aspect. In this aspect, a firstsection 1012 of the union 1010 can be spaced from a second section 1014of the union 1010. Each of the first section 1012 and the second section1014 can have at least one groove 150 defined therein. In one aspect,each of the first section 1012 and the second section 1014 can have thetapered inner body surface 140 and the tapered outer body surface 142.In another aspect, at least a portion of the slope of the inner bodysurface 140 of the first section 1012 can be greater than, less than, orsubstantially the same as the slope of the inner body surface 140 of thesecond section 1014. In a further aspect, at least a portion of theslope of the outer body surface 142 of the first section 1012 can begreater than, less than, or substantially the same as the slope of theouter body surface 142 of the second section 1014. In a further aspect,the amount of taper or slope of the inner body surface 140 and theamount of taper or slope of the outer body surface 142 can be differentat different portions of the union 1010.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a fourthadapter 1110, according to another aspect. In this aspect, the fitting100 does not have the second shoulder 124 b and the second groove 150 bformed on the second portion 126 b of the fourth adapter. Note also thatthe first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3 andthe fourth distance D4 can be different at each portion of the fourthadapter 1110. That is, the amount of taper or slope of the inner bodysurface 140 and the amount of taper or slope of the outer body surface142 can be different at different portions of the fourth adapter 1110.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional profile of the casting 146 of a fifthadapter 1210, according to another aspect. In this aspect, the fitting100 does not have the second shoulder 124 b and the second groove 150 bformed on the second portion 126 b of the fifth adapter 1210. Note alsothat the first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distanceD3 and the fourth distance D4 can be different at each portion of thefifth adapter 1210. That is, the amount of taper or slope of the innerbody surface 140 and the amount of taper or slope of the outer bodysurface 142 can be different at different portions of the fifth adapter1210.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method of connecting a pipe to a castfitting, the method comprising: casting a body comprising: a first bodyend and a second body end disposed opposite from the first body end,wherein the body defines an axis extending from the first body end tothe second body end, wherein the body comprises a first neck disposedproximate to the first body end wherein the body further comprises aninner body surface defining a bore extending through the body from thefirst body end to the second body end, and wherein the body furthercomprises an outer body surface spaced from the inner body surface apredetermined wall thickness, wherein at a first location on the axis,the inner body surface is a first distance from the axis and at a secondlocation on the axis that is spaced from the first location, the innerbody surface is a second distance from the axis that is greater than thefirst distance, and wherein at the first location, the outer bodysurface is a third distance from the axis and at the second location,the outer body surface is a fourth distance from the axis that is lessthan the third distance.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmachining a portion of the inner body surface of the first neck todefine a seal cavity in the first neck and machining a portion of theouter body surface of the first neck to form a jaw engagement surface onthe first neck.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising positioningat least one of a seal, a spacer and a grip ring positioned in the sealcavity.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising providing a presshaving a jaw positionable around at least a portion of the first neck,wherein the jaw is movable about and between a first jaw position, inwhich a lower edge of the jaw is spaced from the jaw engagement surface,and a second position, in which the lower edge of the jaw contacts thejaw engagement surface and urges the portion of the body towards thebore.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising inserting an end ofthe pipe into the bore; and positioning the jaw around the jawengagement surface and moving the jaw from the first jaw position to thesecond jaw position so that at least a portion of the body engages thepipe.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the body has a centerlinedisposed substantially at a midpoint between the first body end and thesecond body end, and wherein the first location on the axis is at thecenterline.